10 days South-North tour

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City- Arrival

Welcome upon arrival by local, we then transfer to the hotel with free time. Overnight in Saigon.

Day 2: HCM– Cu Chi Tunnels (B)

This morning, we visit the Reunification Palace, the former Presidential Palace for the president of the South of Vietnam. After that, we will visit the War Remnant Museum, where we can see countless artifacts, photographs, and pictures documenting the second Indochina war. Before our lunch, we stop at Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office.

In the afternoon, we will leave Saigon for the Cu Chi tunnels. On our way there we will drive through the pleasant countryside; rubber plantations and rice paddies. Before entering the tunnels, we will see a short introductory video showing how they were constructed, followed by an exploration of the maze of tunnels, some of which have been widened to allow tourist access. Also on display are various mantraps and the remains of an American tank, as well as numerous bomb craters made by 500lb bombs, dropped by B52 bombers. After that, we transfer back to Saigon. Relax and overnight in Saigon.

Day 3: HCM– Mekong Delta 1day (B,L)

We start our tour a little bit early today to explore full of Cai Be floating market in Mekong Delta which is about 2,5 hours drive from Saigon. The boat will take us among the local barges full of fruits and farmers’ products. There are many opportunities for photoshoots in one of the most beautiful floating markets in the Mekong Delta. We then stop at local workshops to see the rice paste, coconut candy, and pop rice, pop-corn are made.

Later we take the rowing boat entering deeper into the countryside on the smaller canals where we can see the traditional houses made of wood and palm tree leaves, the local daily life…. After lunch at a local house, we take bikes along the village paths to see the farms, houses, and the ancestral ways to pick up fruits in Mekong Delta. Mid-afternoon, we cruise back to the city and our awaiting vehicle will take us to Saigon. Overnight in Saigon.

Day 4: HCM– Danang- Hoi An– Walking Tour (B)

We take a morning flight to Danang from Saigon today after breakfast at the hotel. The local tour guide and driver welcome us at Danang airport then drive us along the coast highway to Hoi An ancient town.

Later afternoon, we have a walking tour in Hoi An town – one of the World’s Culture Heritages of Vietnam. This quaint riverside town still boasts a wealth of century’s old traditional architecture. The influences of several Asian cultures can be seen in old houses and waterside buildings. It is also famous as a place to be instantly created inexpensive tailored outfits. Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 5: Hoi An- My Son sanctuary (B,L)

8.00, depart from your hotel in Da Nang/Hoi An to My Son sanctuary which was once an imperial city during the Champa dynasty, between the 4th and the 12th centuries. We travel about 50km to My Son sanctuary. It comprises many Champa temples, in a valley roughly two kilometers wide, surrounded by two mountain ranges. It was the site of religious ceremony of kings of the Champa dynasty, and was also a burial place of Champa royals and national heroes. Spend about 1.5 hour to see a large complex of religious relics that comprises more than 65 architectural works. In 1999, UNESCO labeled the Cham architecture in My Son as a World Cultural Heritage Site. You will also have chance to enjoy the traditional Apsara dancing of Cham girls.

Free for shopping in the afternoon. Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 6: Hoi An- Ba Na Hills– Danang– Hanoi (B,L)

8.00 Pick up at hotel in Da Nang and head out to Ba Na hills. Take Cable Car which gains 5 world scores to Ba Na hills station. Stop at By Night station to visit Vong Nguyet hills, Linh Ung pagoda, The Old Villas of French. Continue moving up by cable car to the Nui Chua Mountain – the top of Ba Na range, visiting Nginh Phong top, Le Nim Villas, Orchid Garden… Experience hill climbing train (first and unique funicular in Vietnam) and visit an old French cellar (Debay Ancient Wine Cellar), flower garden Le Jardin D’amour and Linh Ung Pagoda.

You should not miss walking on the Golden Bridge amid the foggy hills of the mountain, enjoy the gorgeous view of Da Nang City.

We take an afternoon flight to Hanoi. Welcome upon arrival and transfer to the hotel. On the way, we may stop at the West Lake area to get a nice sunset view of the largest lake in Hanoi, and enjoy Vietnamese coffee in the coffee shop on the lake bank. After checking in, we have our dinner at a fine restaurant in town. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 7: Hanoi City Tour+ Food on Foot (B,L,D)

In the morning, we explore Hanoi city with the first destination of Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Ba Dinh Square, Ho Chi Minh Museum, One Pillar Pagoda, the Presidential Palace, and the Temple of Literature, ethonology museum.

Optional with taking a one-hour cyclo around the Old Quarter, known as the 36 streets.

17.30, venture out to explore Hanoi and enjoy the local food, then walk down to Pho restaurant for our light breakfast. Walking down to somes streets for visiting the local market, we are guided all the ingredients as well as inhabit of local people here. After the street market, we continue our trip along different streets, trying to taste many kinds of local food such as oil-fried pastry, tofu, egg coffee, Rice pancake, pillow cake, sweet soup, stuffed pancakes with pork, draught beer… and one of our best surprised is a stop at Dong Xuan wholesales market where we know many kinds of ingredients being sold. Last but not least is our happy ending at the Rue Lamblot restaurant. From here, we enjoy our dinner with Spring rolls, grilled pork with noodles, fried rice cake, banana flower salad…..

Day 8: Hanoi – Halong Bay Cruise) (B,L,D)

After breakfast today, we travel northeast Quang Ninh province to enjoy our time in the tranquil Halong Bay. Arriving at Tuan Chau pier at midday, we are welcome by the crew team then check in a tender which transfers us to the cruise. Checking in the room before we enjoy the first delicious seafood lunch. The cruise takes us deeper into the Bay passing thousands of islands and islets with various shapes of Fighting Cocks, Dogs islets….The cruise also passes and stops at the floating village that is free from busy traffic, electric lights, houses, shops, and buildings…

Our activities this afternoon are kayaking, cooking demonstrations, relaxing or swimming at the beach, or climbing up to the top of the island to catch the panorama of the Bay…. Enjoying dinner and relaxing in the evening on the cruise.

Day 9: Halong Bay– Hanoi (B,L)

Sunrise moment is the best time ever in Halong Bay that should not be missed. Getting up a little early this morning we enjoy the morning view with a cup of tea or coffee then have breakfast. After that, we continue cruising around this amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site and exploring some more of the intricate cave systems (Sung Sot cave) that make Halong truly unique. After a delicious lunch, we head back to Hanoi.

If it’s the weekend tonight (Saturday or Sunday night) we will have a chance to walk to the night market for visiting and shopping. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 10: Hanoi Departure (B)

Free at leisure for last-minute shopping before transferring back to the airport for our flight home. Vietnam tour package from south to north ends.